40 Gorgeous Gel Manicure Ideas, From "Aura Nails" To Fancy French Tips

If you so happen to be a lover of neutral, sheer pink polish shades, add an element of opulence with subtle gold-flecked accents.

Embrace the still-rising fairycore aesthetic in your next manicure by topping off holographic polish with a mythical winged design.

With an eye-catching pale pink/vibrant coral color combo and graphic shapes, this colorful mod manicure makes a true pop art statement.

ICYMI: Aura nails are a celeb fave, with A-listers like Megan Fox embracing the style. This deep violet take on the trend is perfect for your next moody mani.

Looking to experiment with some minimalist nail art? Pair your pail pink polish with itty-bitty red hearts.

Thanks to Alix Earle, tonal gray polish colors — AKA “stone nails” — are on-trend, making these all-grey-everything shorties a cool girl-approved pick.

Rose quartz healing crystals are said to provide compassionate, loving energy. Give your nails those same self-love vibes with a pink marbled mani.

For those who want a bit of wild energy in their next gel manicure, try minimal zebra print designs on every tip.

Trick your brain into thinking it’s swimsuit season all year round with these playful “pool water” nails, which deliver the same visual effect as the crystal clear water on the surface of a pool.

If Challengers has you obsessed with tennis ball green, use the neon shade to add some half-moon outlines that will make even the most neutral manicure pop.

Give your next French tip mani a sunset-inspired twist with a fiery ombré in shades of red and orange.

Take a cue from celebrities like Selena Gomez and Kourtney Kardashian Barker and adorn your nails in a creamy, off-white “milk bath” mani. The higher the shine, the better.

Leopard nails are *basically* considered a neutral, which makes these animal print outlines a great pick if you’re on the hunt for a mani that will match every ‘fit in your closet.

Choose two different gel polish colors — like the mid-tone Barbie pink and peachy coral combo seen here — to create a gorgeous gradient effect on your nails.

For the ultimate cottagecore meets coastal cowgirl mani, try painting on some mid-tone brown cow print spots all over your tips.

In place of traditional white-tipped Frenchies, swirl shades of green for a gorgeous watercolor effect.

Chrome nails — especially in shades of gold — are having their main character moment RN. Try the trend with these gilded French tips.

The coquette trend isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, and this ribbon-accented gingham art undoubtedly fits the adorable vibe. Did someone say “spring picnic”?

Nothing says “off-duty model chic” like a timeless set of tortoiseshell nails. Bonus points for matching your sunnies to your tips.

Create a colorful French mani that feels artful and fresh with straight tips, a poppy purple polish, and pretty flower designs on each nail.

Thanks to Hailey Bieber, softly chromatic “glazed donut” manicures have become a staple in every cool girl’s arsenal. Try the look at your next gel mani appointment, or use these tips to DIY it at home.

In lieu of stark white tips, try using a pretty shade of sky blue for your next micro French mani.

Half-moon manicures date back to the 1920s, and have recently returned as a nail-artist favorite. Use this simple, negative-space trick to give any gel manicure a retro flair that feels entirely modern.

If you can’t choose just one color to decorate your nails with, create a vibrant rainbow of all your favorite tones with a wavy line motif.

Whether you’re a chocolate lover or not, combining cocoa-colored gel polishes in matte and glossy finishes will have you craving a sweet treat.

If you seldom stray from the look of classic Frenchies, try this much softer take. Simply replace the traditional stark white tips with a creamy, vanilla shade.

This tonal art looks like a swirling chai tea latte, with brown and cream shades that evoke feelings of warmth and coziness (but sadly, don’t have the same *actual* effects as caffeine).

“Halfsies” manicures have become the coolest way to experiment with color blocking. Go for one that’s minimally chic (but still has a bit of edge) by pairing sheer pink with glossy black.

A remix of the classic cherry red mani, these fruity decals make for a sultry (yet sweet) nail art moment.

Outlined French nails — otherwise referred to as “invisible Frenchies” — are even more statement-making when accented with neon. Try them in a single shade, or mix and match a rainbow of electric brights.

People are sure to smile when they notice this happy floral mani, which is giving major Y2K energy.

Try some sparkly polish (and maybe a few rhinestone accents?) to make your next set of nails as eye-catching as an IRL dancefloor disco ball.

Even the most rookie at-home nail artist can mimic this mani—all you need is a dotting tool (or when all else fails, a bobby pin) and a steady hand.

As mentioned, aura-inspired beauty is having a moment (for even more proof, check out Bella Hadid’s new perfume line), and this pretty pink mani has an out-of-this-world essence.

Flaming nail art in shades of near-neon orange is sure to make your mani the hottest girl at the party. Literally.

Use a trendy butter-yellow gel polish to create these adorable lemon designs, which will mentally transport you to the Italian coast every time you look down at your nails.

Euphoria fans may recognize these “hourglass nails,” worn by Alexa Demie in one of the show’s episodes. The artist behind them wanted to create a look that was “sleek, and dramatic,” and boy did she deliver.

In the world of manicures, tattoo art, and even home decor, ’70s-esque mushroom motifs are very much *that* girl right now. Who knew the psychedelic plant could be so chic?

No matter the season, plaid print is a total vibe — and this luxurious beige and red design is giving big Burberry energy.

Frenchies, but make ‘em fancy with these v-shaped tips, fittingly known as “tuxedo” nails. The crimson-red polish is the cherry on top.